Toloa Programmes

The Tertiary Education Strategy 2015-2019 set a target to prioritise getting industries the skills they needed. This included the Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. Pacific People are under-represented in STEM related Tertiary courses and career pathways.

What is the 2016-2020 Toloa Programme?

The Toloa Programme encourages Pacific students to pursue studies in STEM subjects, with the aim of increasing the number of Pacific peoples employed in STEM careers. To reach key Pacific audiences simultaneously, the Toloa Programme delivers to three key strands:

What is STEM?

STEM is an internationally recognised acronym that refers to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics areas of learning.

What are some examples of STEM careers and what are their entry level salaries?

Innovation is essential for a successful and productive economy. To help achieve this, we need more skilled people with creative and problem solving skills, and more people study STEM subjects.

Many STEM occupations have high projections for future growth in New Zealand. These include information technology professionals, engineers, technicians, and natural and physical science professionals.

What are some examples of STEM fields of study?

STEM includes a huge array of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths related subjects. This includes:

Science

food science and technology

biology

biophysics

molecular biochemistry

botany

molecular biology

microbiology

chemistry

Technology

computer programming

computer science

digital communication and media/multimedia

animation

interactive technology

video graphics and special effects

Engineering

engineering

bioengineering

chemical engineering

civil engineering

automotive engineering

Maths

applied mathematics

statistics

physical sciences

physics

This is by no means a comprehensive list!

Why focus on STEM?

Information technology professionals, engineers, technicians, natural and physical science professionals are part of the STEM industries and associated occupations that have high projections for future growth in New Zealand. These are areas of high job and wealth growth for New Zealand both now and in the future with a higher than median starting wage outlined below (Source: Stats NZ):